[2026] Great for drives too! A roundup of the latest stylish Western music

REPROGRAMKilo Kish

KILO KISH – REPROGRAM

Kilo Kish is a singer-songwriter from Florida, USA, known for her original sound design and multifaceted artistry.

Her 2022 album American Gurl features collaborations with standout artists like Miguel and Vince Staples and has earned high praise.

Incorporating elements of techno, the album beautifully blends refined electronic beats with experimental soundscapes, centering on themes of personal transformation and creativity.

As a lead track in her EP series Negotiations, it stands out with an icily cool sonic palette.

Drawing influences from a wide range of genres—from hip-hop to indie pop—her sound makes for a perfect listen on a late-night drive or in a quiet space where you can take it all in.

Been Like ThisMeghan Trainor, T-Pain

Meghan Trainor, T-Pain – Been Like This (Official Music Video)

It features a powerful trumpet melody and an exhilarating sound infused with jazz elements.

This collaborative track by American artists Meghan Trainor and T-Pain comes from the album “Timeless,” released in March 2024.

A dream collaboration for Trainor, who has long been a fan of T-Pain, the song gives a modern twist to the doo-wop style.

In the space-themed music video, they deliver a captivating performance alongside dancers, drawing attention on shows like American Idol and Today.

With its positive message and driving rhythm, it’s a perfect track to play while on the road.

keep my head downEKKSTACY

EKKSTACY – keep my head down (official visualizer)

Xtacey is a singer-songwriter from Vancouver, Canada.

She began making music after difficult experiences during her school years, and since 2020 she has drawn attention with a distinctive style that fuses indie rock, post-punk, and new wave.

This track features melodies woven by acoustic and electric guitars layered with understated drums, and is marked by emotionally charged vocals tinged with the bittersweetness and loneliness of youth.

Taken from her upcoming album “Forever,” scheduled for release in May 2025, its introspective sound—imbued with a touch of shoegaze—makes it a song that resonates on a late-night drive or in moments spent alone.

HomeIsabel LaRosa

Isabel LaRosa – Home (Lyric Video)

Isabel LaRosa, a Maryland-born artist from the United States, has released a striking new song.

Having been immersed in music since childhood, she creates tracks with her brother Thomas, and this work was born from the experience of leaving her childhood home.

Its dark-pop melody, tinged with bittersweet nostalgia, pairs beautifully with lyrics that capture the sense of loss that comes with growing up.

Since its release in February 2024, the song has resonated with many listeners and has drawn attention for its deft portrayal of teenage emotions.

It’s a must-listen for anyone facing life changes—like living alone or moving to a new place.

Sun Don’t Leave MeRaveena

Raveena – Sun Don’t Leave Me (Official Video)

Raveena, an Indian American artist, has delivered a heartwarming song that gently embraces listeners’ hearts.

While holding the anxieties of modern life—such as concerns about climate change and feelings of loss—the work delicately yet powerfully paints a ray of hope.

By weaving in symbolic images of sunrise and sunset, it expresses the preciousness of life and the beauty of renewal.

Based in New York, Raveena released her album “Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain” in June 2024 and has continued to work energetically since.

Her unique sound blends elements of R&B and pop with traditional Indian music, making it a perfect track for quiet nights of self-reflection or moments when you want to sort through your feelings.

Open HeartsThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Open Hearts (Live on Jimmy Kimmel Live!)

A new side revealed by a star who represents Canada’s R&B scene.

Riding an uptempo beat infused with synth-pop elements, The Weeknd’s lustrous vocals resound throughout.

Featured on the album “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” released in January 2025, the track also drew attention for its live performance on the American talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! Offered as an immersive music experience in collaboration with Apple, it’s earning praise for its innovative approach.

Perfect for a drive or setting the mood at night.

The lyrics, which delve into the difficulty of opening one’s heart and the inner conflict that comes with new love, are also worth noting.

Lost Your FaithAva Max

Ava Max – Lost Your Faith (Official Visualizer)

A weighty work themed around eternal love and faith, depicting a relationship in collapse, arrives from American singer-songwriter Ava Max.

After achieving a global breakthrough with her 2018 hit song “Sweet but Psycho,” she takes on pop rock for the first time with this release.

Sampling Leonard Cohen’s classic “Hallelujah,” she powerfully conveys the unraveling of trust with a loved one through her vocals.

Released in February 2025, the track was unveiled as the lead single from her third studio album, following Heaven & Hell and Diamonds & Dancefloors.

Singing about overcoming heartbreak and resolving to emerge stronger, this is a song to hear when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.